CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant or Certified Nurse Aid. These are people who are
underpaid, frequently
unappreciated and provide
back-up and support to doctors and nurses. They are the people who do the menial or unpleasant jobs people don’t think about which, if they weren't done would make the patient’s life intolerable. They carry out this work without fuss or drama and usually bright, cheerful and efficient. They are often treated with disdain by nurses and frequently berated by patients; despite this they do their work without complaint. Unkindly referred to as 'Cleaners of Nasty Arses' their work is essential to the effective running of both hospitals and care institutions.
“What was it like in hospital?”
“
Dire! A right bunch of miserable bastards except for this CNA. She was always friendly and cheerful, I’d have gone nuts but for her. When I left I gave her a bunch of flowers,
just to say thanks like, I thought
for a minute she was going to cry, she was so surprised.”